HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – It is anticipated that contractors will begin construction on Phase 1 of the Sartain Gate project this week. Then, on or around Nov. 23, a substantial change will occur for traffic on Hanscom Drive, off of Route 2A in Lincoln, Massachusetts.
The initial work will consist of mobilizing equipment to the site, working on erosion control measures and installing signs to notify travelers of the upcoming changes. The following Hanscom Drive change is that all traffic will be shifted to the west side of the roadway.
Currently there are four lanes on Hanscom Drive, two inbound and two outbound. During this phase, what was previously the two outbound lanes will have one inbound lane for traffic going north, toward the base, Hanscom Field, and Old Bedford Road, and the other will be an outbound lane for traffic headed south toward Route 2A. There will also be a lane that splits off for commercial vehicles, such as tractor trailers, that need to stop at the search area prior to coming on base.
As of now, the search area will move north of its current location, but there is another option being considered to move it to a separate temporary location. However, no decisions have been made regarding that at this time.
Hanscom’s safety officials want to ensure travelers keep safety in mind.
“We would like to remind everyone to slow down and watch for road workers, heavy equipment, and road pattern changes as construction for the Sartain Gate begins,’” said Tech. Sgt. Scott Sanderson, 66th Air Base Group occupational safety technician. “There may be increased wait times and traffic during morning commutes so please plan accordingly and try to be patient.”
Officials have been coordinating extensively with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Minute Man National Historic Park, Massport/Hanscom Field, the Lincoln Conservation Commission, the Lincoln Planning Board, and other nearby neighbors about the project.
Phase 1 is anticipated to last approximately 45 to 60 days. When Phase 2 begins, the traffic will then be shifted to the east side of Hanscom Drive. Both phases are estimated to be completed in four to five months. At the end of this work, the intersection of Old Bedford Road and Hanscom Drive will become a typical four-way intersection.
“During the course of construction there maybe slight inconveniences, but the end result will make the gate safer and easier to travel through,” said Sanderson.
Officials note that while the roadwork is ongoing, work on new structures for the Visitor Center, search area and Gatehouse will also be happening. There will also be complementary utility work occurring.
“The Sartain Gate project is an important modernization project for the primary entry control point onto Hanscom Air Force Base,” said Al Kopek, 66th Civil Engineering Division chief of design. “It will provide new entry facilities, along with a changed roadway configuration that should alleviate some traffic congestion.”
Interested personnel can continue to check the Hanscom AFB public website and social media pages for updates.